Jontre Kirklin has only spent a few days of practice working with the offense, but LSU apparently already has a plan in place to get the converted defensive back involved.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron confirmed on Wednesday morning that Kirklin had asked to switch sides of the ball, a move the staff had wanted to make for some time.
“We’re always looking for players on our roster that are not playing,” Orgeron said on his call-in radio show on Wednesday night. “I want the best athletes on the field regardless of position.”
Kirklin, a former All-State quarterback at Lutcher High School, finished his prep career with 147 touchdowns, more than 7,500 yards passing and over 3,000 rushing yards.
With that in mind, Orgeron hinted that Kirklin could see action in a wildcat package. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has previously filled that role, but Kirklin could theoretically be a threat to run or pass in such a formation.
“We’ve got a small package for him,” Orgeron said. “If (offensive coordinator) Steve (Ensminger) feels like we can use him this week, we’ll use him.”
A reserve defensive back lack season, Kirklin has seen action mostly on special teams to this point. He’s returned two punts for a total of six yards this season.
LSU will continue to get Kirklin involved in the punt return game as LSU looks to inject some big play potential into a unit that’s been stagnant to this point.
Jonathan Giles will continue to serve as the “sure-handed” return man when LSU simply wants a fair catch, but the coach hinted that Kirklin will continue to get more chances back there.
“He’s electric,” Orgeron said. “We want some more activity back there.”
NOTES & QUOTES
– Tight end Thaddeus Moss is set to make his LSU debut after logging a full week of practice. He’s missed the first six games of this season with an undisclosed injury. “Hopefully we can get some snaps out of him,” Orgeron said.
– Linebacker Jacob Phillips and tight end Foster Moreau are both 100 percent for the Georgia game, Orgeron said. Both starters were full participant at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
– According to Orgeron, senior running back Nick Brossette stood up and addressed the locker room after LSU’s 27-19 loss to Florida: “I don’t want to see anybody hanging their heads. We’ve got Georgia coming.”
– Orgeron said LSU considered moving Adrian Magee back to tackle after the Florida game, which would have meant Chasen Hines would instead start. The staff ultimately opted for continuity and is set to start the same offensive line combination in consecutive weeks for the first time this season.
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